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Nokia seeks to tap the X-Factor

Ovi could do with the support

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Nokia is backing ITV's X Factor with a dedicated application and exclusive content, but it will take more then Auto Tune to make Ovi a Christmas number one.

The X Factor application can be downloaded from the Ovi store from today, and features "backstage gossip", "exclusive video content", a rating function and "lots of competition opportunities", but still no way to vote from within the application.

In-app voting is the most obvious reason for having such an application, and something that's been possible for years, but the logistics of ensuring users are aware of the cost implications (a legal requirement) removes the opportunity for vote-by-tap.

So Nokia's X Factor app will have the usual video clips and photographs, enabling the user to "check out Cheryl Cole and Dannii Minogue’s latest outfits" in case they missed them on ITV, or ITV2, or ITV3, while listening to the in-no-way-auto-tune-enhanced* performances of the hopefuls.

The application is free, and "compatible with a broad range of Nokia smartphones". As the weeks go by it will, apparently, be bring "new, exciting content, games and functions to keep you connected to the show".

For those who'd prefer to stay unconnected with the show we can only suggest leaving the country - audience figures are already topping 10 million so even if you don't watch it, the person next to you probably did. ®

* Not only has Simon Cowell banned Auto-Tune, but he's managed to shift all attention away from the scandal by standing up for the rights of a sex worker who entered the contest - he's a clever man that Cowell.